Europe - Fall 2023

A 40-day adventure by Morgan Read more

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Trip start
September 26, 2023
Europe - Fall 2023 Traveler
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Day 1
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 7:56 PM
🌙 84 °F
Altitude: 623 m
United States Las Vegas International Airport 36.085786, -115.13536736°5’9” N 115°8’7” W
Departure from Vegas!
September 26, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 84 °F
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Day 2
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 5:23 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 32 m
England The Long Water 51.511517, -0.17434251°30’41” N 0°10’28” W
Paddington and Hyde Park
September 27, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
This half of Hyde Park is much prettier than the part I was in before. Apparently I found the boring part last time :P This part even comes with its own archetypal pigeon guy! Side note, the Paddington area I'm staying in is super cute!Read more
TravelerLove that area. Such a wonderful park and you're off to your new site seeing adventures. Enjoy!
9/27/23Reply
You are off to a wonderful trip ! Be safe. [Aunt Wendy]
9/28/23Reply
Got your trip started and posting [Unc]
9/28/23Reply
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Day 3
Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 3:58 PM
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 24 m
Belgium Het Brugse Ommeland 51.208583, 3.22359751°12’31” N 3°13’25” E
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Bruges/Brugge
September 28, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Will probably post more of Bruges tomorrow, but here's a few from my wanderings after I arrived. The one overlooking the market square is from my room 😍, and my hotel is in the middle of the row of green awnings. (The little food stall in front of the tower is where I had my extremely healthy dinner of fries slathered in sauce.) And yes...I found another door.Read more
TravelerI knew you wouldn't disappoint! 😂 Also lovely pictures as always! Though I am trying to stifle just making movie references with these ones. But that's a *me* problem
9/28/23Reply
TravelerThat is one picturesque town. And love the door -- no doubt the first of many to come
9/28/23Reply
TravelerKool
9/30/23Reply
Traveler Good stuff
9/30/23Reply
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Day 4
Friday, September 29, 2023 at 12:11 PM
☁️ 66 °F
Altitude: 7 m
Belgium Kerkebeek 51.200375, 3.22350851°12’1” N 3°13’25” E
Bruges Historic City Walk
September 29, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F
Featuring another door, more swans, an old working windmill, lots of canals, and a Michelangelo sculpture (centered in the giant baroque display; supposedly the only finished piece to leave Italy during the artist's actual lifetime). Bonus: floodlit Grote Markt at night.Read more
TravelerThat would be an awesome city to live in
9/29/23Reply
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Day 5
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 1:49 PM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 20 m
Belgium Grand Place Brussels 50.846244, 4.34955350°50’46” N 4°20’58” E
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Brussels
September 30, 2023 in Belgium ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
They were unfortunately setting up for a marathon in the Grand Place, so it spoiled the ambiance a bit, but still almost absurdly gorgeous buildings. And yes, I also got a picture of the Manneken Pis :P Fyi, the glass covered shopping arcade is Europe's oldest continually operating one, and the building to the left of the spired town hall is where the Communist Manifesto was written.Read more
Traveler😍
9/30/23Reply
Traveler You are seeing a lot of interesting things.
9/30/23Reply
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Day 6
Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 1:07 PM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 42 m
Germany Cologne University of Applied Sciences 50.940592, 6.96225350°56’26” N 6°57’44” E
Cologne/Koln
October 1, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
Holy cathedral, Batman! The arch and floor mosaic are leftover from the area's Roman past (the mosaic is still exactly where it was found, has never been moved). Really neat riverside park. Happened to get a perfect pic of a dog jumping at the giant bubbles from the bubble guy (because every park needs a bubble guy).Read more
TravelerYes, that is one totally awesome cathedral
10/1/23Reply
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Day 7
Monday, October 2, 2023 at 10:45 AM
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 50 m
Germany theatre Cologne 50.941467, 6.95976450°56’29” N 6°57’35” E
Cologne Cathedral
October 2, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
This cathedral is ridiculously gorgeous. Pics also featuring the treasury and the tower climb (which my legs did not thank me for, but my eyes did). The golden reliquary (allegedly) houses the bones of the three magi, here for nearly a millennium now and an important pilgrimage site. The relics' original wooden reliquary is housed in the treasury (pic included). The treasury is housed in vaults from the older structure (the mosaic floor in pic is also from original structure) and the Roman ruins they were built upon. Bonus: German music man!Read more
TravelerKeep the great information coming. Love the pictures
10/2/23Reply
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Day 8
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 2:06 PM
🌧 70 °F
Altitude: 150 m
Germany Ruine Rheinfels 50.154194, 7.70501150°9’15” N 7°42’18” E
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Sankt Goar/St. Goar
October 3, 2023 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 70 °F
The Romantic Rhine! Here we have the town itself and surrounding scenery, as well as hike to nearby Burg [Castle] Rheinfels. (Check out the massive cellar!)
TravelerGlad to see you enjoying your trip 😊
10/3/23Reply
TravelerNice area for hiking!
10/3/23Reply
Traveler Those pictures are great. The architecture is really something to view. Enjoy the descriptions too as to what everything is that we see. Thank you for our excursions
10/3/23Reply
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Day 9
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 11:39 AM
⛅ 57 °F
Altitude: 81 m
Germany Dörscheid 50.104061, 7.73797850°6’15” N 7°44’17” E
Rhine River cruise
October 4, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F
Whole area is so pretty. I'm glad I chose this way to transit to my next location. The steep green bluffs you see is the famous "Loreley" cliffside (the siren statue is around there somewhere).
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Day 9
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 12:12 PM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 58 m
Germany Münz-Bach 50.059836, 7.77006950°3’35” N 7°46’12” E
Bacharach
October 4, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
The town itself, along with a couple of nearby viewpoints (in the middle of a vineyard, which was pretty cool; Bacharach is an historic wine-producing area).
TravelerLooks like the perfect fairytale German village
10/4/23Reply
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Day 9
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 2:57 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 210 m
Germany Münz-Bach 50.056661, 7.76279450°3’24” N 7°45’46” E
Stahleck Castle - Neurath hike
October 4, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Hike including views of vineyards, famous chapel ruins, an old castle fortress that's been converted into a really neat hostel, and some little donkey-paths (several a bit steep) my hiking route took me along 😅 (The rest consisted of normal trails.)Read more
Beautiful old castle and grounds. Aunt Wendy [A. Wendy]
10/5/23Reply
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Day 10
Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 4:34 PM
☁️ 59 °F
Altitude: 404 m
Germany Gebsattler Gate 49.374478, 10.18006949°22’28” N 10°10’48” E
Rothenburg ob der Touber
October 5, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
I'll be exploring more in depth tomorrow, but here are a few preliminary pics of neat, medieval Rothenburg (including views from my room 🥰)
TravelerNeat city to wander in
10/5/23Reply
TravelerThey sure have interesting architecture there. Quite interesting to view all the historical features and views. October fest too
10/5/23Reply
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Day 11
Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:17 AM
☀️ 54 °F
Altitude: 420 m
Germany Klingentorbastei Barbican 49.381189, 10.17672549°22’52” N 10°10’36” E
Rothenburg city walk
October 6, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
This place might be one of my favorites so far. Really fun atmosphere (they're not afraid to capitalize on their medieval vibe) and interesting history (this was the main ruling and trade center of the region back in the day). Includes shots of St. Jacob's church, a famous stop along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail with an equally famous (and huge and intricate) woodcarving piece. (The big door I'm posed in front of I later found a painting of from the 1800s in the museum I saw next. Neat. The little door is actually part of a stone alter piece in the church from the 14th century where the Eucharist was kept).Read more
TravelerWow. Two doors! Hit the jackpot there
10/6/23Reply
Great job with photos. Keep ‘em coming Morgan. [Unc]
10/9/23Reply
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Day 11
Friday, October 6, 2023 at 1:37 PM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 428 m
Germany Rothenburg ob der Tauber 49.376472, 10.17985349°22’35” N 10°10’47” E
Rothenburg Museum (and shop)
October 6, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Housed in an old monastery, the building was as interesting as the exhibits (which were surprisingly varied and included a hell of a weaponry collection). Note the painting with my door from earlier (I got excited about that lol). Also a few pics from a really, really neat shop off the main market square -- it's like Ren Fair in a store!Read more
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Day 11
Friday, October 6, 2023 at 2:53 PM
⛅ 66 °F
Altitude: 425 m
Germany Ruckesse Tower 49.374072, 10.18080349°22’27” N 10°10’51” E
Rothenburg medieval wall circuit
October 6, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F
Follows the old medieval town walls (large parts of it are walkable and even covered, which would have been nice all the times it rained on me for other town and wall walks 😭🤣). Part of it goes right behind where I'm staying (you can see a bit of the walls from my room, shown in yesterday's footprint).Read more
TravelerThat would be an awesome city to visit. And more doors! : )
10/6/23Reply
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Day 12
Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 6:24 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 838 m
Germany Hohes Schloss Füssen 47.567172, 10.69798347°34’2” N 10°41’53” E
Füssen
October 7, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Touristy, but kind of neat once you get away from the main commercial drag. The town has a thousand year history, so there are some hidden gems around. The river has its unique milky color due to sediment from porous mountain rock that gets washed down with it. Town does have a very pretty mountain backdrop!Read more
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Day 13
Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 10:04 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 818 m
Germany Alpsee 47.553806, 10.73254747°33’14” N 10°43’57” E
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King's Castles
October 8, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, "Mad" King Ludwig's famous castles. The first is actually the older one, where he actually grew up. The second is his more famous "fairytale castle project," and was the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Although newer, it was built over the ruins of an older medieval castle (Hohenschwangau was also built on top of an older site). Pics also include famous Mary's Bridge viewpoint (also shown from afar, at the castle) and hike to nearby higher (and less crowded) overlook.Read more
TravelerNow, that's a castle.
10/8/23Reply
Traveler Old Ludwig had quite a domain to live in
10/8/23Reply
Traveler Great pictures
10/8/23Reply
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Day 14
Monday, October 9, 2023 at 2:59 PM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 528 m
Germany Angerviertel 48.135019, 11.56962548°8’6” N 11°34’11” E
Munich (city walk part 1)
October 9, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
Once you get into the Old Town city center, Munich is pretty neat. Lots of interesting history (and biergartens), so you know I'm happy. Part two of the walk will commence tomorrow. Today's part included Marienplaz, the historic square, and Munich's oldest thoroughfare, as well as the Viktualienmarkt, a huge farmer's market type thing that's been a market center for centuries and today is basically subsidized so that the mom-and-pop shop stalls can afford to stick around. (I had to buy some produce there. And bratwurst.)Read more
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Day 15
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 1:46 PM
⛅ 72 °F
Altitude: 531 m
Germany Field Marshals' Hall 48.141231, 11.57763948°8’28” N 11°34’40” E
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Residenz Palace Complex
October 10, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F
The original residence of the Wittelsbach rulers of Bavaria, this complex is HUGE. Many parts were demolished during WWII, but were faithfully restored. The model shows how massive the complex is. Pics include the Residenz Treasury.Read more
TravelerWow
10/10/23Reply
Opulence and beauty [Unc]
10/13/23Reply
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Day 15
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 2:52 PM
☁️ 73 °F
Altitude: 523 m
Germany Mary's Square 48.137656, 11.57981148°8’16” N 11°34’47” E
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Munich (city walk part 2)
October 10, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
More pics of Munich, including gorgeous English Gardens (yes, Engliah gardens in Munich lol), and the original Hofbrauhaus (where I absolutely got a beer -- and met a tour guide that I then hung out with for the next three hours).Read more
TravelerAnother fascinating city. And beer!
10/10/23Reply
Love the beer part for sure [Unc]
10/13/23Reply
Traveler 👍
10/13/23Reply
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Day 16
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:59 AM
☀️ 66 °F
Altitude: 520 m
Germany Die Neue Sammlung 48.147025, 11.57013948°8’49” N 11°34’13” E
Munich's Museum District
October 11, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F
Cluster of Munich's museums conveniently located next to each other. Works out nicely for me. Visited: Egyptian Museum Munich, Alte Pinakothek (art), and the Nazi Documentation Center.
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Day 17
Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 1:55 PM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 472 m
Germany Polln 48.270192, 11.47016748°16’13” N 11°28’13” E
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
October 12, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
Sobering, but absolutely worth going to. Dachau was the first concentration camp and the model for others, the training site of the SS, and the only camp in operation throughout the 12 year Nazi campaign. The large map shows the full size of the site when it was in operation. The smaller map is of the crematorium (the room with holes in the roof is the gas chamber). The wide open space was the "roll call" area.Read more
TravelerWow…gives you chills…so sad…
10/12/23Reply
TravelerReally puts life into perspective
10/13/23Reply
TravelerCan’t imagine when it was in operation how it must have felt as even now in pictures it gives off a deep vibe of heartbreak and silence
10/14/23Reply
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Day 18
Friday, October 13, 2023 at 2:03 PM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 443 m
Austria Kurgarten 47.803039, 13.04652847°48’11” N 13°2’48” E
Salzburg (New Town walk)
October 13, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Tomorrow will be the Old Town walk. This area is right by my accommodations (the building with the black and green domes; it's an old seminary). The arched doorway was Mozart's residence while in Salzburg. The pegasus statue was featured in the Sound of Music. Cemetery is from 1600s (and includes Salzburg's famous archbishop and some of Mozart's family). My door pic includes an old-time version of the hobo code markings. Pics also include hike to nearby viewpoint.Read more
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Day 19
Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:13 AM
☁️ 64 °F
Altitude: 438 m
Austria Domgrabungsmuseum 47.797931, 13.04523947°47’53” N 13°2’43” E
Salzburg (Old Town walk)
October 14, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F
Includes Salzburg's baroque cathedral (with its GORGEOUS stucco work, and an original medieval font which is the one Mozart was baptized from), famous cemetery (a set was based off it for Sound of Music) and old cliffside monks' dwellings and chapel overlooking it (plus view!), St. Peter's church (Salzburg's oldest, over 1000 years old), and a contender for Europe's oldest restaurant (Charlemagne ate there in 803). Also shots of old market squares and shopping lanes that have been in use for centuries.Read more
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Day 19
Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:39 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 430 m
Austria Hellbrunner Bach 47.795461, 13.05263147°47’44” N 13°3’9” E
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Hohensalzburg Fortress
October 14, 2023 in Austria ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
One of Europe's biggest castles, this was at the time "impregnable" and the seat of power for the archbishop of the region. Beautiful views from the panorama platform built at the tower top in the 1800s. I went ahead and hiked up instead of taking the funicular (LOT of uphill lol). The model of the medieval town in salt was a nice touch (since the salt trade is literally what put Salzburg on the map).Read more
Stay safe Morgan [Unc]
10/17/23Reply
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